Orthodontics
Orthodontic Conditions
Crooked teeth have been a vexing problem for centuries. When you have problems with your bite or the spacing of your teeth, orthodontic care can fix these irregularities of the teeth and jaw.
Orthodontics is the dental specialty that requires at least an added two years to a dentist’s training and licensure. The goal is to prevent, diagnose and treat facial and dental irregularities. Orthodontics are valuable for children and adults.
Your Sphinx orthodontist is your partner who will provide their expertise, a treatment plan and appliances to straighten your teeth and align your jaw. You commit to following your orthodontist’s instructions to keep your teeth clean, control what you eat, and keep your appointments. For a healthy, beautiful smile your active participation is necessary.
Sphinx Orthodontics in Edmonton, AB, our goal is to help each patient achieve the best possible results in the shortest time. We are dedicated to perfecting your smile and improving your health.
What is malocclusion?
Occlusion is how your upper and lower teeth and jaw fit together. When they are not aligned properly it is called malocclusion or a bad bite. Malocclusion is often passed from your parents.
A malocclusion interferes with correct chewing and digestion of the foods you eat. It also affects the ability to clean your teeth and can lead to tooth decay, gum disease and jaw pain. People with crooked teeth can feel self-conscious about their looks.
What causes crooked teeth?
Teeth can grow in crooked, overlap, rotated or twisted. Sometimes crooked teeth are the result of crowding which shifts the teeth into crooked or rotated positions. Sometimes teeth are crooked because the upper and lower jaw are not the same size. Crooked teeth typically result from a malocclusion.
Why do people need orthodontics?
It is not just for aesthetics. Crooked teeth can affect your health, cause gum disease, difficulty chewing and speaking, cause excess wear and tear on the teeth, affect your sleep and cause jaw pain.
Fixing crooked teeth and your occlusion will give you that beautiful smile and can prevent future dental problems.
What orthodontic conditions are treatable with orthodontics?
Overbite
when you close your mouth the upper and lower jaw and teeth are not aligned causing the upper front teeth to cover the lower front teeth. It impacts chewing and puts extra strain on the teeth and jaw muscles.
Underbite
when you close your mouth your lower jaw and teeth protrude in front of your upper front teeth. It impacts chewing and puts extra strain on the teeth and jaw muscles.
Crossbite
when the upper and lower jaws are not in alignment, and the upper and lower teeth don’t meet. A cross bite affects the appearance of your teeth, lips and mouth, and can cause headaches, decay, jaw pain, and gum disease, and tooth grinding.
Gaps between the teeth
when there is extra space between the teeth. A gap between the two front teeth is called a diastema but it can occur between any two teeth. It can make you self-conscious and embarrassed about your smile. It can also affect the teeth on either side of the gap causing them to twist and rotate.
Open bite
when the upper and lower teeth don’t meet when you close your mouth. This is common in children with baby teeth and can result from habits like tongue thrusting, thumb sucking, and chewing on the end of pen or pencil.
Crowded teeth
when the teeth are too close together and tilt and twist making it difficult to clean the teeth and contribute to gum disease.
Dr. Tarek El-Bialy
is a registered orthodontist dental specialist who straightens teeth and help his patients feel confident about their smiles.
